England U21 assistant coach Joleon Lescott has defended Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola over his stayaway comments this week.
The manager was criticised after inviting fans to turn up in greater numbers for their Premier League showdown after 38,062 watched City beat RB Leipzig at the Etihad on Wednesday.
Lescott said: "I understand Pep's need to urge fans to come. Obviously it wasn't a full capacity but I think he was trying to emphasise the importance they have and the role they play in helping lift the team up when the mood is subdued at times.
"Possibly could have been articulated a little bit differently but I have that with my wife all the time but it's one of those things that happen.
"I don't think there's a thing between the fans and Pep. They enjoy each other and appreciate the part they play for the club going forward.
"He didn't (back down) but he was given an opportunity to articulate and explain what he meant a little bit more and I think he's going down the route of the importance the fans play in success.
"We've played a season without fans and now to see them back and now they realise every club how much they rely on them."
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